Search Results for keywords:"safety standards"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting a modification to current safety standards. The petition concerns the use of unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company proposes using alternative respirators, which they claim offer safety and comfort benefits over existing options, although these devices are not MSHA-approved. The petition outlines that the proposed changes will maintain miner safety and includes detailed conditions for their use, inspection, and maintenance.

Peabody Twentymile Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard, allowing the use of a new kind of respirator called the Drager X-plore 8700 at its Foidel Creek Mine in Colorado. The company wants to use these new respirators because the previously used ones, made by 3M, have been discontinued. While not currently approved by MSHA, Peabody believes the Drager X-plore 8700 offers the same level of safety as the old models. The petition sets out safety measures and training plans to ensure miner safety when using these new devices. The deadline for public comments on this proposal is April 2, 2025.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has received a request from James D. Welch for an exemption from the requirement for Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) when operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) for military purposes. While there is already an exception that applies to certain military drivers, it does not currently cover U.S. Reserve technicians like ARTs. Welch argues that obtaining a CDL places a burden on ARTs and the Air Force Reserve Command due to training costs. FMCSA is asking the public to comment on whether this exemption should apply to all U.S. Reserve technicians and to provide feedback by February 12, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule updating airworthiness directives for certain Embraer S.A. airplanes. This regulation replaces a previous directive and requires airlines to revise their maintenance or inspection programs to include new or stricter safety standards and structural changes necessary to prevent potential failures. The updated requirements aim to address issues like fatigue cracking, which can reduce the structural integrity of the aircraft, and possible safety hazards from latent system failures or ignition sources in fuel tanks. The new rule takes effect on March 17, 2025, affecting 662 airplanes in the U.S.

In a petition submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Blue Diamond Coal Co. seeks to modify safety standards to allow the use of specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently MSHA-approved. They argue that these devices, the CleanSpace EX and the 3M Versaflo TR-800, are intrinsically safe and provide continuous airflow for respiratory protection in harsh conditions. The company believes that offering these PAPRs will give miners additional options for respiratory protection and comfort, especially for those who have difficulty with fit requirements. The petition outlines detailed procedures and safety checks to ensure the PAPRs' safe use, ensuring they provide no less protection than existing standards.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from ACI Tygart Valley requesting permission to use alternative respirable dust protection equipment at the Leer Mine, due to the discontinuation of previously used equipment. They propose to use the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) as replacements, despite these not being MSHA-approved. ACI Tygart Valley argues that the proposed equipment provides equivalent safety measures and includes training and inspection protocols to ensure miner safety. MSHA will consider public comments on this proposed modification until April 21, 2025.

Transamerica Tire Co. Ltd. discovered that some Transeagle ST tires made by Shandong Yinbao Tyre were mislabeled with an extra character in their Tire Identification Number (TIN), making it noncompliant with safety standards. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) decided that this labeling error does not affect the tires' safety or performance. As a result, Transamerica doesn't need to notify owners or provide a remedy for this issue. NHTSA granted an exemption because the tires otherwise meet all performance requirements, and the error doesn't compromise safety during a recall.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted an exemption to Wilson Logistics, allowing commercial learner's permit (CLP) holders who have passed the commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test to drive commercial vehicles without a CDL holder in the passenger seat. This exemption is intended to ease Wilson Logistics' operational burdens and will apply to 400-500 CLP holders annually. While the accompanying CDL holder must remain in the vehicle, they do not need to be in the front seat. FMCSA believes this exemption will maintain or improve safety levels and has granted similar exemptions to other companies in the past. The exemption is valid from February 23, 2021, to February 23, 2026, with conditions to ensure compliance and public safety.

Signal Peak Energy, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a change to existing safety standards at Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 in Montana. They want to use Dräger X-plore 8700 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) instead of the current equipment, claiming this new model offers better performance and safety. Although these devices are not directly approved by MSHA, they are certified as safe for use in facilities with explosive gases and dust. Signal Peak Energy has detailed safety measures and training requirements to ensure the equipment keeps miners protected.

San Diego Trolley Incorporated (SDTI) has requested a five-year extension of its existing waiver from certain federal railroad safety regulations to continue operating safely with shared track arrangements. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reviewing this petition, which is publicly available at regulations.gov, and is seeking comments from interested parties until February 22, 2021. If warranted, a public hearing may be requested in writing. This waiver allows SDTI to maintain its safety standards while operating in conjunction with other rail services in San Diego.